IT8140 Reading Reflection #4

IT8140 Reading Reflection #4

Student Name: Aisha Scott

Briefly list the top 2 new things (e.g., knowledge, skills, ideas, perspectives, etc.) you’ve learned in this unit from exploring the websites, instructor’s presentation files, conversations & discussions in class, group activities, guest speak, and other learning activities:
Although I am familiar with the R2D2 model, this is a new idea that can be introduced to my district. We are in the process of developing…again…our district school improvement plan. We are trying to address students who fail and supplemental instruction through a virtual high school. This model addresses varied online learners. We will have to shape and develop students to use online tools and resources for academic growth and not just socialization.
Another key idea that I learned is the evolution of the classroom. In the How Distance Education Has Changed Teaching and the Role of the Instructor, it relates to the development of the classroom and how we are going in the direction of a virtual environment. It talks about how there is an important need for teachers to be trained in order for them to productive facilitators in a distance learning environment.

How would the new ideas/knowledge/skills influence your technology integration efforts as a teacher or school administrator? I believe in order for me to introduce distance education in my district is to do it now. We are currently in the process of revising our school improvement plan. One of the key areas not discussed was technology integration and distance education. We are a school that focuses on real world learning. Yet my district is apprehensive about incorporating technology tools to enhance education. One way that I can introduce it to them is to access and show how it works in our district and how it can help improve some of the key areas administration would like to increase or enhance.

List one idea/ opinion/ argument/ statement that you would challenge or disagree with in the learning materials in this unit.
· First, briefly describe the idea/opinion/argument/ statement you’d challenge
· 2nd state your idea and position
· 3rd explain why and support your argument
Distance learning between a student and a tutor has a negative effect on performance quality, student engagement, and development in a music class. I would challenge this because it would depend on the type of technology that is use. I don’t think this would be effective if you are just using the computer, but if you are using a webcam or a video conferencing tool, this probably would be a better tutoring session. I think the medium that you use in distance learning makes a difference. In a music class, it would be more effective to use a medium that allows for one to see and hear each other.


Among the various learning activities in this unit (e.g., readings, web resources, discussions, critical friends activities, individual assignments, etc.), which 2 do you find most helpful in your study so far, and why? Use the Table below to organize your response.

Favorite learning activity
How was it helpful?
How did it help with your learning?
How can it be further improved in the future?
Virtual Schools
It allows for students to work at their own pace and they can review information as much as needed.
A teacher needs to be attentive to students who may need to be monitored. They still need to make sure students stay motivated.
Course Management
It’s helpful because it allows for you to see some of the other concepts that go along with distance learning. Working with other facilitators and collaborating works with the development of online courses.
People will need to work on their presentation/communication skills. They will now need to work on engaging students online.


Any additional thoughts, comments or suggestions you’d like to share with the instructor about this course or your learning experience so far?

Literature Review #3

We received some very interesting articles. The focus on the articles were not just solely based on technology, but a look at the school system as well. A model of change was introduced by Riley (2007). Riley touches on how that all change is not good change. There needs to be a process. Teachers are required to change with the times, but in order for it to be a success, it must go slowly. Frick speaks on being specific on the change that is needed. So many times, school districts believe they need to change certain aspects of their curriculum, staff, structure, etc. But are not specific on the outcome they are trying to reach. Frick believes that we should change what?, change how? and "How do you know that change is working"?
There needs to be a systematic change. This is also what was written in Duffy's response. Districts pick specific areas to address, but they need to decide the process they will use and what is the outcome of change.
I have always thought that technology integration was a way to help enhance the learning experience. But in order for this to be successful, we must look at other things. We may have to look at data, training and development of staff, the structure of the school, etc. in order for the change to be effective.
With all the demands that educators have, rather NCLB, State of Michigan, etc. we still have to find a way to make sure the learning environment is innovative and staff is equipped with the proper tools. Change is no longer a top down way of working. It involves a broader scope.